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Obituaries in 2005
Hartford Michigan |
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Click here to return to the to Obituary
Index
Please email the webmaster if you have obituaries of
people who have lived in Hartford Michigan, or was active
in the Hartford community, at some time during their lives.
To find a specific obituary, use the
Search Our Site
feature located on the
left menu of every page. The Obituary section was started January 30,
2008 and current obituaries will be posted as they become available.
Obituaries are from the local newspapers, unless otherwise noted.
If you have an obituary notice of a former Hartford resident from a
newspaper away from the Hartford area, please send it. Past obituaries
will be added as time permits.
Many requests are made for obituary notices and this
would be a good genealogical resource, as well as providing obits to
extended family members who may not have an original.
Searching for obituaries from previous years (mainly prior to 2003)
requires a good deal of time. If you have found this to be a
valuable resource and would like to be a
sponsor toward keeping the obituaries page updated, send donations to History of
Hartford Obituaries, Emma Sefcik, 59320 62nd St, Hartford MI
49057. Since the History of Hartford website is a voluntary
effort, your contribution is much appreciated.
Email the webmaster with any correction of errors that may have
occurred in the original newspaper obit.
Click here for local library
resources.
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Alice G. Rush,
95, of Hartford passed away from her life on earth to eternity in
heaven on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005, at South Haven Community Hospital.
Alice was
born on Aug. 14, 1910, in Chicago, the daughter of John and Julia (Krisan)
Siebert, both of whom preceded her in death. Alice was a member of
the Hartford Senior Mother’s Club and the Van Buren County
Historical Society. In her spare time she would make quilts of all
sizes and then sell them at the annual Hartford United Methodist
Church bazaar. She would then donate her profit to the church.
As to his
wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service to honor
her memory will take place on
Thursday, Dec. 29, at 3 p.m. at the Calvin Funeral Home; Hartford.
The Rev. Ronald Hansen of the Hartford United Methodist Church will
officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hartford
United Methodist Church or to the donor’s choice.
Alice is
survived by her daughter, Jean (Harold Jr.) Walker of Hartford, June
(Richard) Walker of South Bend, Ind., Ruth (Vik) Malling of
Stoughton, Wis., and Denise (Richard) Fuller of Hartford. She is
also survived by 13 grandchildren and 18 greatgrandchildren.
Besides her
parents, Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Rush, in
1974; daughters, Karen Rush in 1959 and Donna Hoover, in 2005; and
one grandson.
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William Norton Dyer, lifelong Hartford
resident, succumbed to a yearlong battle with leukemia on November 26,
2005. Bill, born to Raymond and Myrtle Dyer on March 22, 1928, passed
away at his home on Pinery Road in Hartford Township. Virginia (Steinhauser),
his wife of 54 years, was at his side. They were married in Mishawaka,
Indiana, on October 16, 1951.
Bill
established himself as an individual with a wide variety of interests
beginning with his school years at Hartford High School. He not only
excelled as a multi-sport athlete but entered a lifetime avocation as a
talented musician, a drummer, graduating from HHS in 1946.
Before and
after a two year stint in the
U.S. Army during the Korean War, he became associated with several
area musical groups – the Melville Brothers Band, the Four Sharps Dance
Band, the Aristocrats, the Blue Aces, to mention a few. Bill was also an
important member of the Hartford Alumni Band in recent years.
After
returning from his military assignment as a supply sergeant at Camp Haugan
in Japan, he entered a lifetime employment with the U.S. Postal Service.
Bill eventually rose to the position of Postmaster in Hartford and retired
from that office in 1983.
Bill
and Virginia enjoyed traveling during their vacation times, journeying to
such faraway destinations as Mexico, Alaska, and Las Vegas. During the
last few years, the Dyers particularly enjoyed the company of their
beloved granddaughter, Krystal, on these trips. Another aspect of their
travels were memorable camping trips to Mackinaw, Pennsylvania, and other
locales. The Dyers were particularly interested in searching for covered
bridges and other historical locations.
Bill
served the Hartford community as a member of the school board, the
Hartford Township Zoning Board, Fruitbelt Credit Union Board, Cub
Scoutmaster, and Little League coach highlighting his colorful career.
One aspect of his talents were his donations of group and individual
photographs for various Hartford groups. Most recently, he has provided
assistance to Emma Thornburg Sefcik and her work with the Hartford Web
Site. Privately, he enjoyed working on the Dyer family genealogy and
collecting stamps and antiques.
In
addition to his wife, Virginia, Bill is survived by a son, Jamie John
Dyer, his daughter-in-law, Carol (Whiteman), and granddaughter, Krystal
Marie, of Portage, Michigan. He is also survived by a brother, Robert,
and sister-in-law, Eleanor, of St. Joseph, and a sister, Nancy, and
brother-in-law, George Huffman, of Hartford. He is also survived by
numerous nieces and nephews. Special mention is made of the two family
pets and companions; Shelby, a Lab-Chow mix, and Jack, a Jack Russell
terrier.
Bill’s
parents have both passed away.
Note: Click
here to view Bill's military photo and picture.
Click here to view a later
picture of Bill and his family.
Bill made many contributions to the History of Hartford Military
section. Much of the information shown on this website would not
have been available so quickly (or at all) without his persistence
and legwork. We are all enriched because of his dedication to the
preservation of the History of Hartford.
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Homer Andrew Jackson,
88 of Hartford passed away from his life on earth to eternity in
heaven on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005, at Lake View Continuing Care
Center, Lawton.
Homer was born on March 12, 1917, in Rector, Ark., the
son and last survivor of six children born to William and Bessie
(Hall) Jackson, both of whom preceded him in passing. He grew up in
Holcomb, Mo., where he started as center on the local basketball
team. It was there where he met and married his wife, Thelma. They
celebrated 66 years of marriage in August.
Homer worked for
20-plus years at the Watervliet Paper Company, where he made many
lasting friendships. He
retired as Superintendent of the Public Works Department in Hartford
in 1982. He loved the City of Hartford and his home, where he
spent many hours puttering in his yard and workshop. Homer dearly
loved the many hours he spent with his grandchildren.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday,
Sept. 23, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A private graveside
service to honor his memory will take place on Saturday, Sept. 24,
at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family
wishes memorials be made to Lake View Continuing Care Center, 99
Walker St., Lawton, Mich. 49065 or to the donor's choice.
Homer is survived by his wife, Thelma; sons, Bill
(Shirley) of Hartford, Dwayne (Claudia) of Garland, Texas;
granddaughter, Amy Lynn (Aaron) Trombley of Albany, Ga.; grandsons,
Christopher, Kevin and Phillip of Wolcott, N.Y.; a lovely
great-granddaughter, Alyssa of Wolcott, N.Y.; and numerous nieces
and nephews.
Besides his parents, Homer was preceded in death by his
sisters, Virginia Brown, Marie Parker, Pauline Paskel, Nellie
Deweese; and a brother, Eugene.
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Ruth
Christine Bolton, 76, of Hartford, passed away from her
life on earth to eternity in heaven, after a lengthy illness on
Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005, at Borgess Nursing Home, Kalamazoo.
Ruth was born on Sept. 4, 1929, in Nauvoo, Ala., the
daughter of Clyde and Zoda (Baughn) Crane, both of whom precede her
in passing. Ruth was a simple lady who just loved to spend time with
her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family will
greet friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford, where the service to honor her memory will take
place at 3 p.m. with Pastor Timothy Nyhuis of the Hartford Federated
Church officiating. Memorials in her memory can be made to the
Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice. Anyone wishing to send
condolences to the family may do so at:
http://ruth-cranebolton.memory-of.com/tributes.aspx.
Ruth is survived by four grandchildren, Jeff (Rhonda)
Smallwood of Statesville, N.C., Anna (Jay) Alexander of Byron, Ill.,
Michelle (Michael) Diebold of Hartford and Christopher (Christina)
Hardy of St. Joseph. Ruth is also survived by 10
great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and two sisters,
Thella Kennedy of Madison, Ala., and Myra Ream of Veneta, Ore.
Besides her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her
daughter, Martha Jo Crane on Aug. 31, 1989; three sisters, Thelma K.
Crane, Nellie Rowell and Florence Crane; and four brothers, Lester
Ray Crane, Wesley Tittle, Lawrence Crane and Albert Hollis.
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Kern Ward Fischer, 53, of Hartford, passed
away suddenly from his life on earth to eternity in heaven on
Saturday, Sept. 17, 2005, at his home.
Kern was born on July 7, 1952, in Watervliet, the son
of Warren "Buck" and Belva (Burr) Fischer, both of whom preceded
him in passing. He was formerly
employed by the City of Hartford. He enjoyed hunting,
fishing and drumming.
A memorial service to
honor his memory will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at
the Hartford Federated Church with Pastor Timothy Nyhuis
officiating.
Kern is survived in passing by five brothers, Louie
(Sharon) Fischer of Decatur, Clair (Carlean) Bullard of Malden,
Mo., Kirke (Jane) Roraback of Moulton, Ala., David (Joyce) Fischer
of Grand Rapids and Allen Fischer of Holland; nieces, Stacy (Phil)
Arens of Zeeland, Regina Bullard of Malden, Mo., Heather Roraback
of Moulton, Ala., Linda (John) Goff of Holland and Diane Fischer
of Hamilton; and nephews, Matthew Fischer of Decatur, Chris
Minderman and T. (Lisa) Minderman, both of Malden, Mo., Paul (Terisa)
Roraback of Moulton, Ala., John Henry Fischer of Grand Rapids, Don
Fischer of Hamilton, Jack (Jenni) Fischer of Holland and Jeff
Fischer of Comstock Park.
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Lilah J. Jordan, 88, of Hartford died Monday, May 30,
2005, at home.
 She was born March 20, 1917, in Glendale, Mich., to
Wallace and Lena Clark. On Oct. 13, 1934, she married Joseph Jordan,
and they shared 51 years of marriage until his death in 1986.
She is survived by four sons and their spouses, Kenneth
"Pete" and Judy Jordan of Hartford, Roger and Laurel Jordan of
Bridgman, Thomas and Lois Jordan of Coloma and William and Darlene
Jordan of Hartford; also three daughters and their spouses, Shirley
and Larry Anchor of Hartford, Patricia and Larry Rinehart of
Mattawan and Betty Jordan of Hartford.
In addition, she was the very proud grandmother of 14
grandchildren -- Deborah (Rich) Swigart, Lisa (Fred) Cook, Jeff
(Kathy) Anchor, Michael (Carol) Anchor, Bryan "BJ" (Erin) Jordan,
Karyn Jordan Snyder, all of Hartford; Lynda (Roger) Hiler of
Dowagiac, Lorinda Freemyer of Benton Harbor, Roger (Francine) Jordan
Jr., and Andrew (Melisa) Jordan, all of Coloma; Timothy (Dawn)
Rinehart of Mattawan, Dawn Jordan of Porter Ranch, Calif., Amy
(Jeff) Dill of Lawton, and Anthony (Kathy) Jordan of Watervliet. She
also leaves behind 23 great-grandchildren and three
great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother,
Richard Clark of Bloomingdale; a sister, Lucile Sargent of
Kalamazoo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death
by a brother, Raymond Clark; infant brother, Ralph Clark; and infant
sister, Louise Clark.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at
Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. Funeral services will be held at 10
a.m. Thursday, June 2, at Calvin Funeral Home. Burial will be in
Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may
be made to Hospice of South Haven, P.O. Box 990, South Haven, Mich.
49090.
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John R. Pomeroy -
John died Sunday, April 3, 2005, at Community Hospital, Watervliet.
His father, Clarence Pomeroy, preceded him in death. John's life began Aug. 15, 1948, in
Watervliet. He was one of four sons born to Clarence and Betty
(Wood) Pomeroy. John spent his lifetime in Hartford, graduating from
Hartford High School. He
proudly served his country in the United States Army during the
Vietnam War. John worked as a shipping supervisor for ICG
Castings. Outside of work, John spent time enjoying life through his
hobbies which included -- playing softball, he was umpire for the
Coloma Lanes softball league for 14 years; golfing, bowling, fishing
and playing cards.
John's greatest love was his family, which includes his
wife, Sharon; son, Marshall and his wife Diana of Hartford;
grandchildren -- Taylor and Kelsey; his mom, Betty and her husband
George Busse of Niles; three brothers, Mike of Tennessee, Randy
(Donna) of Portage and Clarence (Glenna) of Stevensville; and his
dogs, Priscilla and Elvis.
Friends may visit with John's family from 5 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6, at Hutchins Funeral Home, Watervliet. Mass of
Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 7, at
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet, with Father Don Wieber
officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Animal Aid or West Michigan Cancer Center.
Note: John was
a 1966 Hartford High School graduate.
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Donald
Harold Bachman, 88, of Hartford, passed from his life on
earth to eternity in heaven on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2005, at his
residence.
Donald was born on Jan. 23, 1917, in Watervliet, the
son of Harold and Esther (Morlock) Bachman, both of whom preceded
him in death.
He was owner of Don Bachman Welding for over 36 years from 1946
until his retirement in 1982. Following his retirement, Don and his
wife, Alice, enjoyed traveling, bowling and golfing together. He was
a former member of the Hartford Fire Board, where he also served as
a volunteer firefighter. He was a member of the Hartford United
Methodist Church, Van Buren Sportsman's Club and was a lifelong
member of the Masonic Lodge. He was an avid golfer and bowler. He
was a Hartford Indian fan, especially watching his kids and
grandkids play sports. He was even able to watch his great-grandsons
play Little League last summer. In 1935, Don won the Green and
Gold Award from Coloma High School.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 25, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford. A service to
honor his memory will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, at
the funeral home. The Rev. Ronald Hansen of the Hartford United
Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Maple Hill
Cemetery, Hartford. Memorials may be made to the Hartford Fire
Department or Van Buren-Cass Hospice.
Donald is survived by his wife, Alice; a daughter,
Patricia (Jim) Empson of Traverse City, two sons -- Terry (Doris)
Bachman of Kalamazoo and Rick (Ernestine) Bachman of Hartford; eight
grandchildren -- Kelly (Tom) Richards, Kim Root, Kevin (Sue) Empson,
Terri L. Bachman, Amy (Ray) Gendron, Aaron Elizabeth (Todd) Valdes,
Anne (Matt) Smith and Andy (Kristen) Bachman; 12
great-grandchildren; two sisters -- Mary Cooper and Alice McNabb,
both of Florida; and several step grandchildren and step
great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents, Donald was preceded in passing by
his son, Ronald C. Bachman in 1963
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 Irving
Allen Clauser - While surrounded by his loved ones,
Irv journeyed home to be with the Lord on Feb. 13, 2005.
Irv was born to Allen and Marie Clauser on Jan. 12,
1935. He was born at their home on Columbus Avenue in Benton Harbor.
Irv, known as the Iron Horse (who ran for the Benton Harbor Tigers),
was an excellent athlete and excelled in track. He ran many great
races and overcame his last hurdle with tremendous courage and faith
in the Lord.
Irv served in the
USAF Northeast Air Command. He raised horses for the past 47
years. Irv was deputized and has been active with the Van Buren
County Mounted Division for 36 years. He also served as a member of
the Marine Patrol, which included service on several inland lakes as
well as Lake Michigan.
He always enjoyed spending time with his family and
friends, especially after his retirement. He frequently attended
ballgames and was each of his grandchildren's number one fan. Irv
enjoyed life to the fullest. He hunted in Newfoundland, Alaska,
Wyoming and Colorado, as well as Michigan. One of his most recent
adventures was building a cabin "Up North." It truly was a labor of
love, which he built for his family.
Irv is survived by his loving wife, Anna, whom he
married on March 27, 1971; his son, Marc (Lisa) Clauser; his
daughter, Terry (Larry) Adams; his son, Raymond Paul Clauser; his
son, John (Jody) Clauser; his daughter, Rebecca (Raymond) Evans; his
grandchildren -- Olivia, Kevin-Tylor, Matthew, Trent, Chelsea,
Zachary, Riley, Ryan, and Brett. He is also survived by his sister,
Virginia (Ralph) Black; his brother, Allen "Al" Clauser; and several
nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.
He was preceded by his parents, Allen and Marie
Clauser; and his sister, Elna Clauser.
Visitation will be held at the Hartford United
Methodist Church on Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral
service will be held at the Hartford United Methodist Church on
Thursday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make
donations to the family.
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Donald Eugene "Woody"
Woodward, 71, of Hartford, passed peacefully from his
life at home on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, after a courageous battle
with cancer.
Don was born on Oct. 23, 1933, to Marjorie and George
Woodward. He spent his youth in Watervliet, Fennville, and Hartford.
He served in the Army Corp
of Engineers where he was a heavy equipment operator in Korea.
This led him to a career in the trucking and concrete business until
his retirement in 1995. He served his community as
a
member of the Hartford Fire
Department and ambulance service for 25 years. He served in
many capacities, such as firefighter, secretary treasurer and
captain. He left his mark on life with his willingness to help
anyone who asked and his endearing love of his family, especially
his grandchildren, to whom he was willing to be a patient teacher.
He leaves behind many lifelong friends and several nieces, nephews,
brother and sister in-laws.
Donald is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 47
years, sons, Michael (Theresa) Woodward, Ken Woodward and daughter,
Susan (Andy) Gearhart, all of Hartford; sister, Sharon (Bill)
Clupper of Hartford; grandchildren -- Jayme, Bethany, and Phillip
Woodward and a special granddog, Penny.
Don was preceded in death by his father, George; his
mother, Marjorie Rudel; stepfather, Pete Rudel; halfbrother, Gale
Woodward and granddaughter, Brooke Nichol Woodward.
The family will meet friends at the Calvin Funeral
Home, Hartford, from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 16. The service to
honor his memory will be Monday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. at the funeral
home. The Rev. Ronald Hansen of the Hartford United Methodist Church
will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford,
with a fireman's escort and burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials
may be made to South Haven Area Hospice, who made his last days
comfortable and last wishes a reality.
Note:
Click here to view Don's military picture and profile on the History
of Hartford website.
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Antoinette "Tonie" P. Rice,
79, of Hartford died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, at her home.
She was born May 27, 1925, in Paw Paw, the daughter of
Stephen and Antoinette (Sadecky) Minarik.
She and her husband, Dwaine
have been owners of Rice's Sporting Equipment, in Hartford since
1955. She graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1943, and
attended a photography school in Chicago, later opening a studio in
Hartford, until raising a family took all of her spare time. Family
was always most important to her and she was very proud of them all.
She was a member of the Southwestern Michigan Horse and Buggy Club
for the past ten years.
She is survived by her husband, Dwaine Rice, who she
married on Oct. 4, 1947; sons, Morrie (Cheryln) Rice of Torrance,
Calif., Gary Rice of Polson, Mont., Lindsay Rice of Sister Lakes and
a daughter, Tina (John) Streeter of Hartford. Grandchildren --
Lauren and Erin Rice of California, Tyler Rice of Montana, Natasha
(Shawn) Williamson of Dowagiac, Nicole (Rede) Rintamaa of Augusta,
Ga., Kyle (Rebecca) Romeo and Kevin Romeo of Hartford.
Great-grandchildren -- Abbi and Hunter Williamson, Jordan and
Phillip Brown, Eleana and Giana Romeo.
Antoniette also leaves behind a brother, Stephen
Minarik of Paw Paw; sisters -- Josephine Minarik of Battle Creek,
Mildred Javor of Charlotte, Anne Stanton of Paw Paw, Margaret
Wojciechowski and Alice Stiever both of Kalamazoo; brother-in-law,
Larry (Linda) Fisher of Decatur, sister-in-laws, Eileen Thomas of
Decatur, Adeline Minarik of St. Joseph and Eleanor Minarik of
Williamson, along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers --
Andrew, John and Joseph Minarik and daughter-in-law, Nancy Rice.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive
friends on Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Calvin Funeral
Home in Hartford where memorial services will be held Thursday, Jan.
20 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Private family burial of cremains
will take place at a later date.
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